On Tuesday the 14th till Saturday the 18th of November between 9:30am to 5:30pm, art enthusiasts, VIP’s and wildlife conservation advocates will gather at Gallery Different, 14 Percy Street, London, for a unique and inspiring event – the preview of an exhibition that beautifully melds artistry and a deep-seated passion for big cat conservation. Penny, a talented artist with a profound love for wild cats, is the mastermind behind this extraordinary exhibition, and her dedication to the cause is nothing short of commendable.
Penny’s journey into the world of art and big cat conservation is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. Having spent much of her life as a sculptor, Penny exhibited her work far and wide, earned accolades, and established herself as a prominent artist in the field. However, in 1992, her life took an unexpected turn when she was diagnosed with M.E. This debilitating illness left her unable to work for an extended period. Yet, Penny’s determination and creative spirit could not be quelled. She found solace and a new medium of expression in painting.
Humble beginnings marked Penny’s foray into painting. She started with gouache paints, taking small, incremental steps to rediscover her artistic talents. As her strength and skill grew, she embarked on a thrilling journey with oil paints, a medium that presented new challenges and opportunities. While oil painting was physically taxing, Penny’s passion for art and her unwavering commitment to conservation fuelled her determination.
One of Penny’s first significant oil paintings was a mesmerising depiction of a tiger, inspired by William Blake’s visionary poem, “The Tyger.” The painting’s beauty and significance were not lost on the world, and it was eventually sold at London Zoo with the support of the legendary naturalist Sir David Attenborough. This marked the inception of Penny’s mission to raise funds for the protection and preservation of big cats in their natural habitats.
One of Penny’s first significant oil paintings was a mesmerising depiction of a tiger, inspired by William Blake’s visionary poem, “The Tyger.” The painting’s beauty and significance were not lost on the world, and it was eventually sold at London Zoo with the support of the legendary naturalist Sir David Attenborough. This marked the inception of Penny’s mission to raise funds for the protection and preservation of big cats in their natural habitats.
The exhibition at Gallery Different is not just a showcase of Penny’s remarkable artistic journey but also a testament to her dedication to the conservation of wild cats. Every piece of fine art displayed during the preview represents her deep love for these magnificent creatures and her unwavering commitment to their welfare.
What makes this event even more special is that all funds raised from the sale of Penny’s art will be directed towards two prominent wildlife conservation organisations: Wildlife Vets International and the Cheetah Conservation Fund, with the latter contribution funnelled through the Big Cat Sanctuary. These organisations work tirelessly to protect and conserve endangered big cat species and their habitats, making the exhibition’s purpose all the more meaningful.
For anyone passionate about art, wildlife conservation, or both, the preview of Penny’s exhibition is an event not to be missed. It’s an opportunity to celebrate the resilience of the human spirit, the power of art to inspire change, and the enduring beauty and importance of our planet’s wild feline inhabitants. So mark your calendars from Tuesday 14th to Saturday 18th November and join us at Gallery Different.
Penny’s art is a testament to the harmonious coexistence of creativity and conservation, reminding us that every stroke of the brush can be a brushstroke of change for our planet’s precious big cats.
For further information or if you wish to purchase any artwork or prints, please email Elaine.Smith@thebigcatsanctuary.org
For more information on the exhibition and event please click here
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